(Cass)The first few nights were rough—I stayed in the smallest, cheapest hostels I could find, the kind where you barely feel safe enough to close your eyes. The money I had quickly dwindled away, gone on overpriced vending machine snacks and cramped rooms.Desperation and the reality of being broke in a foreign country hit hard, but I didn’t let it break me. Instead, I started traveling by train, hopping from one small country town to another, offering to wash dishes or clean tables in exchange for a meal or a warm place to sleep.Getting just enough money to get me to my next destination, edging ever close to Brussels. It might be a luxury, but it’s me. I’m doing it. I’m being independent and I like it.It isn’t glamorous, but it’s kept me going. I travel as far as the money I have will get me and try to keep a little for some food.Upside, I’ve lost some pounds, and I’ve tried so many new foods I didn’t even know existed. Downside, language barrier is a struggle and it’s been two
(Cass)“If he speaks English, I’ll just go tell him myself. Thank you so much for translating.”The man smiles and nods.I make my way towards the kitchen door. The waitress steps in front of me, shaking her head.I smile and pat her arm. “It’s okay, this will only take a minute.” I step around her and push the door open, stepping around her and into the kitchen.The place is chaos: steam rising from pans, knives chopping at lightning speed, and a tall, broad-shouldered chef barking orders that sound like gunshots in French.I know his type, old-school chefs that think abuse and overworking people is how to get the best out of them. But he doesn’t intimidate me. I know what I need to do.“Excuse me!” I call out, and the noise screeches to a halt. The chef spins around, his eyes narrowing dangerously.“What the hell you in my kitchen for?” he barks, his accent thick, but his English clear and cutting.I swallow but hold my ground. “I had your vegetable soup. It was amazing, but I thoug
(Jayden)Henry is nestled in my arms, I’ve missed him so much. He’s grown more, and it hasn’t even been that long since I’ve been in London.We’re sitting in the farmhouse kitchen. Viktor leans against the countertop, arms folded, his expression calm but serious. Winona sits beside me, her fingers wrapped around a steaming mug of herbal tea that Klara made for her.She takes a sip, and I can tell she’s nervous.Klara steps forward, her gaze flicking between us. “This pregnancy is high-risk, even more so than before,” she says, her voice steady and calm.“Winona needs minimal stress, regular monitoring, and a stable environment. Any disruptions could be dangerous,”she adds.I cradle Henry closer, my heart pounding with fear for Winona and our unborn child.My mind races. It’s fragile. Another miracle. “What do we need to do to keep you both safe?”Winona takes a breath, her voice trembling slightly. “Klara and the doctors say it’s about keeping a normal routine, keeping my blood pressu
(Winona)Back at the estate cottage the next day, I hand Lisa the folded note, my fingers lingering on the paper for a second before letting it go. It details all the plans, and I put my finger to my lips as she takes it.She stares at me, her eyes questioning, but she doesn’t speak.“Come in, Lisa. Let’s get coffee. I have so much to tell you.”“Coffee sounds perfect.” She unfolds the note and begins to read in silence.Speaking openly isn’t an option right now, not when we’re surrounded by the potential for prying ears.I watch her face closely as she reads, looking for any hint of her reaction. Her expression shifts slightly, but she keeps it controlled, her eyes narrowing as she takes in every word.When she finishes, Lisa folds the paper back up and tucks it into her pocket. She raises an eyebrow at me. “So, have you heard from Jayden? Are you okay?”“He’s impossible to talk to, as always. I’m over it, to be honest.” I go about the kitchen pouring our coffee and adding sugar and
(Winona)She types on her phone and then my phone buzzes.It’s a text from Lisa. I look at her and she winks at me.Meeting him for dinner. I’ll show him your note, so he gets what’s going onI nod and type back.Make sure he’s fully on board with how crucial this isLisa nods. “I guess we have a lot to plan to get back to the States. And once we get there.”“Being back in the States without Jayden... I don’t know, Lisa. The idea of single parenting all over again—it’s overwhelming. The questions from everyone.”Lisa crosses her arms, leaning back against the counter. “You’ve done it before, though. You’ll do it again. You don’t owe anyone explanations.”“Yeah, but it still feels daunting,” I admit. “I have no place to live there. Jayden’s penthouse is not an option. I refuse to go back there, feeling like I’m waiting for him to come home when he isn’t.”Lisa tilts her head, her brows knitting together. “Well, if we do cruise home, that will give you some time to secure something, may
(Jayden)Back in London, I stare at the text my mother sent after I got the photos.Hard to believe that was just a few days ago. Now it feels like a lifetime. Everything has changed.My best friend relationship has imploded in the worst way. We’ll never be the same again. I can barely remember my life without Lance. We were like brothers. Not any longer.Even if Winona and I can get through this together, once again we are forced apart by my mother’s doing. Okay, Winona gave her the ammunition.But the way she’s used that to be the most damaging, isolating me from my close relationships, trying to give me no choice but her as my sole support. It makes it all icky.Regardless of the wrongs or rights of this situation, I need Judy to not be influencing my life behind the scenes. I need her to just let me go. If getting her in jail does that, then that’s what I do.The no-contact order wasn’t enough to make her see that it’s over for her and I. I won’t keep running away. Okay, I need to
(Winona)I sit at the dining table, laptop open, and browse through cruise options, trying to piece together a plan that makes sense. Every search result that pops up seems to end in Florida.The very name of that state sends a shiver down my spine. Cancun isn’t all that far from Florida, and the memories of Cass’s kidnapping creep back in, making my stomach clench. It feels like a warning, a reminder that danger is never far away.I guess that was one disaster that Judy didn’t have her hand in. Gus took the fall and is headed for jail as a traitor to stop the crime syndicate from targeting his family.But the fact is, that smuggling ring runs deep and wide. They are still in operation and Greg’s secret Cuban family have direct links. Nothing has been proven against Gabriel.I don’t know what the situation is with him and Cass. But I force myself not to stress over that now.I sigh and click on another tab, this one for a road travel planner. Flying directly from Florida to our final
(Winona)The morning sun spills into the living room and laughter fills the space as I walk out into the living area to the kids already playing. It’s become a common sound here, one that warms me and brings a smile to my face even as my mind churns with plans and worries.They are up, dressed and ready for their day at school. They go twice a week and are all learning the local language along with being taught in English.This place, this life, has become a haven in ways I didn’t expect. It’s hard to think about leaving, but we have to. I wonder if the kids are more excited about going back to the States than I am right now?“Good morning. Well, look at you three! All ready for your day. I better get some breakfast on.”“Good morning, Mommy. It’s school day, yay!” Abby says as she bops about the floor.“You’ve only been a few times, how are you all liking the little school?”“Everyone’s really nice. I’ve learned some new words in Flemish and Dutch. Plus, they have the best lunches.”
(Winona)“Winona,” he says, walking over to kiss my temple. “Welcome home. It feels so good here, right?”“You feel it too?” That makes me happy. Knowing Jayden feels the same vibe the kids and I do in this place.“You chose perfectly. I’m heading out for a meeting with Gus and Viktor. Figured I’d take Henry with me. He can nap in the car. If that’s okay with you? Is Henry being with Gus okay?” I nod. “Gus visited me, and we sorted some stuff. It’s fine with me if it’s fine with you.”He kisses my lips and whispers in my ear, “I can’t wait to snuggle with you tonight. I have missed you so, so much after dinner time.” He nuzzles my ear.I smile as Henry tries to grab my hair.“Hey, you two, get a room!” Lisa teases.“Oh, we will.” He steps away and Henry reaches for me and I hold his little hand in mine. I’ve missed him so much.“Anyway, I better bounce. Get this Global Nexus stuff done,” Jayden says.“Henry can stay here if it’s easier.”“No need. He’s my right-hand man these days. H
(Winona)The moment I step into the farmhouse, the scent of lavender and woodland spice welcomes me like an old friend. I know it’s one of Klara’s aromatherapy concoctions that I love.Lisa has given me a ride home to save Jayden the trip into the city as he’s here with the kids.The kids are buzzing around like a small tornado, their excitement obvious. It’s a stark contrast to the opulence of Brussels high-end estate or Jayden’s Penthouse here. This place is different. It’s ours. Once I have the renovations done, it will still be luxurious, of course—heated floors, state-of-the-art kitchen, and furnishings you’d see in a design magazine—but not excessive.It’s cozy, warm, and every inch of it feels lived-in. It’s like the cottage in a way. A family home but this place has something the cottage didn’t have. A history in its walls of previous families. It feels like home in a way nowhere else I’ve ever lived has.Even my townhouse, which was perfect for me at the time, pales in com
(Cass)I sit on the couch at Jayden’s penthouse, picking at my nails, while Viktor stands near the window, arms crossed, eyes focused on the city below.His broad shoulders are tense, his entire posture screaming disapproval.I’ve just told him what I overheard in my apartment and he’s acting like I heard it on purpose.“Say it,” I snap, breaking the silence.He turns, his blue eyes icy. “You shouldn’t have gone there alone.”“Tell me why you went there,” he demands, his voice a coiled spring ready to snap. “I didn’t know they’d be there!” I snap, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “I was cleaning up, minding my own business, and then they just… showed up.” “Does anyone else know?” he growls, his accent thickening with his anger. “Did you see anyone on the way in, or out? If he finds out…” “No.” I fire back. “No one else was around. Stop being so dramatic.”“You need to take this seriously,” he says, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. “Don Alejandro is one of the most danger
(Winona)“Judy really taught me everything I know about being self-reliant and a strong woman, but she taught me in all the wrong ways. By threatening my life and the life of my children. I mean she almost took the life of her son more than once.”“Judy only knew extreme. But she also knew how to cover her tracks.”“She brought danger to my doorstep that I’d fought so long to keep away. I will not miss her in any way. I never loved her. But I do feel for Jayden, and for you.”He tilts his head, his sharp eyes locking onto mine. “Life must look very different for you now Judy’s gone. Knowing she won’t be there to interfere.” I take a moment to think about it. “Honestly? Yeah, I am. Judy had a way of… making you doubt yourself. Questioning every move you made. It’s exhausting, constantly looking over your shoulder, waiting for her to strike.” “She was good at that,” Gus says with a small, humorless chuckle. “Always did everything to the highest degree.”“Certainly cannot fault her wor
(Winona)The sound of soft-soled shoes against the hospital floor makes me glance up from my laptop. I know those footfalls anywhere.Gus’s towering frame fills the doorway, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of a sleek black coat.He looks sharp considering his months in confinement, but the time has carved deeper lines into his face. His presence still carries that unmistakable air of control, like he’s never stopped being the man who built Nexus Global from the ground up. Or the man who is capable of almost anything if he sets his mind to it“Gus,” I say, closing the laptop and setting it aside. “It’s so good to see you.” We’ve always shared a close friendship. I trust Gus where I couldn’t trust many others. I know he has my back.He steps inside, glancing around the sterile room. “You’re looking well, Winona. Jayden told me you’d be going home soon.” “I am,” I reply. “A few more days here, then I’m free. Physically, I’m fine. Just have to finish healing from the fall an
(Jayden)Gus steps out, his posture as straight as ever, his piercing eyes scanning the surroundings like he’s still in charge of the world. He looks older—more weathered—but there’s still that unmistakable aura about him.The one that tells you he’s better off as your friend than your enemy.I climb out of the car, my leather boots crunching against the gravel as I approach him. Viktor lingers by the driver’s side, watching, his face as stoic as ever. Not even a hint of a smile. “Jayden,” Gus greets me, his voice steady, calm, as if he’s walking out of a board meeting instead of a federal prison. “I didn’t expect you.”“Gus,” I reply, my tone neutral. I’m not playing doting son. There’s too much history, too much unresolved. “How was the hospitality?” A ghost of a smile tugs at his lips. “Let’s just say I’ve had better accommodations.” Viktor steps forward, his arms crossed over his broad chest. “Let’s not linger.”“Very well.” Gus moves towards the car.I follow and get into the
(Mia)The chandelier glitters overhead, casting rainbows across the marble floor as I pace the room, my heels clicking loudly in the oppressive silence.Judy might be gone, but the specter of her looms large over this place. Gold fixtures, crystal vases, and overpriced art that screams wealth and power.I stare out the window of Judy’s luxury apartment as I clutch my phone. The screen glows with a message from Gus’s people, promising me that everything will be fine.That they’ll protect me. That I’m safe.Safe.I’ve just met with the person they are supposedly keeping me safe from at Cass’s old apartment. I had a key cut, just in case I needed it.No one is safe from Don Alejandro, my grandfather. That’s what they don’t realize. There is no escape from him. They’ll never get anyone close enough to him to kill him.Gabriel’s voice echoes down the hall, he’s staying here with me.I sink into one of the velvet armchairs. Gabriel was supposed to sell me more shares. He promised he’d think
(Cass)The smell of mildew hits me the moment I open the door to my tiny apartment. My stomach churns as I step inside, taking in the chaos left behind. Furniture overturned, drawers yanked open, and everything I once owned strewn across the floor like a crime scene.I should clean this place up and sell it. But letting it go is harder than I imagined. It’s what I bought with money from Mom, to start my new life. To be the person she always believed I’d be.That worked well, didn’t it?I drag myself out of the downward funk, this time I’ll make good.I swallow hard, gripping the strap of my duffel bag. It’s been months since I fled this place, running from my own disasters. Part of me wonders why I came back at all.But I know it’s because it’s all I have left of Mom—her money barely stretched far enough to buy this shoebox, but it was something of my own. My tiny sanctuary.I drop my bag on the only chair still upright and let out a shaky breath. “Okay, Cass,” I mutter to myself. “Le
(Lisa)I wake up feeling like I’ve been hit by a truck. My stomach churns, my mouth tastes like regret, and I’m not entirely sure if it’s from the stress of everything with Winona or the bug the nurses warned me was going around. Either way, I feel gross.I sit up in bed slowly, trying to shake off the nausea. “Okay, Lisa,” I mutter to myself. “You’re just stressed. Stress does weird things to your body, right?”I think maybe I need to get back into my meditation and herbal teas.My stomach rolls again, and I press a hand to it, glaring at the offending body part like it’s personally betrayed me. “You will not ruin this day for me.”I’m working on my meeting agenda today to run by Winona tonight, ready for our meeting with the CEO in a week.This evening, I’m heading back in to help Winona shower after dinner. Once she has all of that under control, she can go home. Jayden does dayshifts with her and then heads home to the kids.The kids aren’t allowed in intensive care, so Winona is